Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-08-04BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE August 4, 1999 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendents Fabbroni and Ferrel. Comm. Ehrhardt chaired the meeting. There were no additions to the agenda. Deletions from the agenda: Bump Outs on College Avenue Presentation of "Master Plan and Tree Inventory Report" I. Discussion of "spencer Street Traffic Study! Steve Ferranti of SRF & Associates presented his study on Spencer Road to the board. He explained that he examined the context of the neighborhood, the street network and safety. There were two aspects of the study, first to look at the specific recommendations provided by staff and the board and secondly a recommendation of his own. He noted that he was concerned with putting the street system back into balance while making the streets safe. He told the board that an arterial has higher standards and therefore is expected to carry more vehicles. He noted that the quality of life on the streets is a concern of his since the arterial is located in a residential area. Mr. Ferranti referred to a graph in his study which shows the projected volumes of four of the alternatives compared to the current volumes. He indicated that alternative four (Albany one -way south bound between Clinton and Titus) has a greater reduction but he strongly suggested keeping the street two -way. He later explained that this funnels traffic to critical intersections making them worse. He reviewed the problems that would occur with Spencer Street being two - way, such as the removal of parking, sight distance at Cayuga Street and narrow lane widths. He also indicated that there are perceived obstacles such as the retaining wall and stairs. He said that he would expect that without extensive widening, there would be a large number of head -on collisions. Mr. Ferranti explained that once parking is removed, there will still be the temptation to park which will may not be readily enforceable. He told the board that the conclusion he made was to keep Spencer Street one way south -west. He indicated that he is recommending the installation of a triangle at the intersection in question and to make Spencer Road one -way south bound from the intersection to Morris Heights. Discussion followed concerning traffic flow of vehicles entering the city from Stone Quarry. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the traffic will be forced to South Meadow Street which enters into an already over crowded intersection. Mr. Ferranti noted that within his Southwest Park traffic study he has recommended that intersection to be widened and directing two lanes south and one lane north. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that he felt implementing Mr. Ferranti's recommendation would leave a considerable amount of money in the project budget. He questioned if traffic calming devices similar to those on Cleveland Avenue could be implemented at Wood, Titus and Albany Streets with the remaining funds? John Beach, resident of Albany Street, noted that five years ago this issue was brought to the board and things have worsened. He suggested that a remedy be sought prior to the Southwest Park project Board of Public Works Committee of the Whole August 4, 1999 completion. Judy Saul and Pat Pryor, residents from Albany Street, also spoke to the board about their concerns of traffic calming and diverting traffic away from Albany Street. Comm. Ehrhardt told the board that he would bring a resolution forward to the board at their next voting meeting. 2. Parking on 200 Block of South Geneva Street Comm. Ehrhardt reviewed the background on this item of how the board granted one 24 hour parking space in the 200 block of South Geneva Street for a new homeowner without a driveway. It was noted that this space was not specifically for the homeowner, but anyone on the street. Comm. Korherr noted that he voted against making the space 24 hour parking and suggested that the board rescind its action. Comm. Leonardo stated that this was a special situation and that since the space was not designated to one property, the board acted appropriately. Comm. Ehrhardt suggested that the board vote on a resolution at the next meeting in order to change parking on the remainder of the block to two hour parking from 8 :00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. 3. Staff Reports. Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on the following: Turner /Clinton/Prospect intersection may be able to be completed by Labor Day. Asphalt base and curbing in the 300 block of East State Street is completed along with installation of street light bases. Gravel base at the intersection of State and Albany will be completed tomorrow. Top coarse for Elm Street will be completed on Friday, additional patching to the lower section has been completed. Intersection of College Avenue and Dryden Road has been stripped, concrete brick print should be in place tomorrow. Buffalo Street work should be started by next week. Asst. Supt. Fabbroni reported on the following: Lake Source Cooling project continues. Ithaca High School is hooked into mains which have been disinfected and tested. Sewer main completed on Falls Street. Main work on York Street recently started. Work continues on the Buffalo Street pump station at Meadow Street, should be completed in a week and a half. Budget handed out to board will be presented to Mayor and Council. Unified Engineering Report was received that policy makers and the controller is developing in an attempt to clarify what a joint position might be for a bond act application. This will go to Council tonight for a course of action as to what the city would endorse for the application which is due August 181h. Page - 2 Board of Public Works �r Committee of the Whole August 4, 1999 Supt. Gray reported on the following: He's been working with Nancy Oltz on bus route changes. Coordinating activities with Cornell when students return. GIAC repairs are continuing. Continuation of budget preparation. He suggested that the board meet to hear what the department's draft budgets look like. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Page - 3 Notes taken by: Donna L. Payne Administrative Secretary